Welcome to FFJC’s digital library of resources related to fines and fees, also known as the Clearinghouse. Our repository of research and tools is curated and summarized by our Policy and Research team and includes key fines and fees research, litigation, legislation, policy analysis and guidance, and case studies. Use the search features below to find the information you need to drive reform.
E.g., ‘impacts of fines and fees’
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Debt Sentence: How Fines And Fees Hurt Working Families
This report shares the results of a national survey of over 5,600 adults to see how court-imposed fines and fees affect people across the country.
Debt Sentence: How Fines And Fees Hurt Working Families
Cascading Consequences of Fines and Fees on Rural Communities
Cascading Consequences of Fines and Fees on Rural Communities
Despite evidence that fines and fees are an unstable and unreliable revenue source, states and local governments impose court fines and fees to fund court operations, law enforceme…
The Cost We No Longer Pay: How Fines and Fees Reform Delivered Billions in Relief for Families
The Cost We No Longer Pay: How Fines and Fees Reform Delivered Billions in Relief for Families
People living paycheck-to-paycheck and communities of color are disproportionately impacted by criminal justice fines and fees. The consequences for being unable to afford to pay t…
Roots of Wealth: Unearthing Black Prosperity in the South
Roots of Wealth: Unearthing Black Prosperity in the South
By imposing financial burdens, fines and fees compromise the capacity of low-income families and individuals to meet their immediate financial needs. In addition to increasing shor…
Political Victims: How the Politics of Victims Rights Comes Up Short
Political Victims: How the Politics of Victims Rights Comes Up Short
Too often, victims of crime fail to receive financial compensation. Restitution – money owed directly to victims by people convicted of crimes – is rarely collected, since most def…
Following the Money of Mass Incarceration 2026
Following the Money of Mass Incarceration 2026
Since 2017, the United States has more than doubled its spending on mass incarceration and criminalization, despite a decline in both incarceration rates and correctional staff. Th…
Diversion Without Debt: Case Studies from Three County Prosecutors Leading Fee Reform
Diversion Without Debt: Case Studies from Three County Prosecutors Leading Fee Reform
Diversion programs offer an early off-ramp from the criminal legal system, providing accountability while reducing recidivism and enhancing public safety. However, the imposition o…
State of Iowa v. Pagliai
State of Iowa v. Pagliai
Issue Holding Facts Ronald Pagliai was charged in four separate cases for shoplifting. As part of a single plea agreement to resolve the cases, Pagliai agreed to plead guilty in tw…
Ellinburg v. United States
Ellinburg v. United States
Issue Holding Background Court’s Reasoning Outcome The judgment of the U. S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit was reversed and the case remanded for further proceeding…
States Should Reduce or Eliminate Criminal Fines and Fees, Even Amid Challenging Fiscal
States Should Reduce or Eliminate Criminal Fines and Fees, Even Amid Challenging Fiscal
In challenging fiscal landscapes, state and local governments often turn to fines and fees to fill budget shortfalls. In this report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities…
People v. Kopp
People v. Kopp
Issue Holding Background CA Supreme Court’s Reasoning Outcome The court ordered the judgment of the Court of Appeal reversed with directions to remand the matter to the superior co…